Sudafed Over the counter cold medicine By: Kassidy Alise, Amanda Riley

Medical Name: Pseudoephedrine Drug Classification: Alpha Adrenergic Agonist

METHOD OF ADMINSTRATION: This medication is taken orally. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break an extended- release tablet. Swallow it whole. Splitting the pill may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time. You may need to shake the oral suspension well just before you measure a dose. Measure the liquid with a measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

USES: Nasal congestion Temporary relief of sinus pressure It works by reducing swelling and constricting blood vessels in the nasal passages, allowing you to breathe more easily

Side Effects SHORT TERM EFFECTS: Irritation of nose and throat Dry mouth Restlessness Trouble sleeping Nausea or vomiting Headache Fast or pounding heartbeat

SIDE EFFECTS LONG TERM EFFECTS: Headache Insomnia Paleness

COMPLICATIONS COULD LEAD TO: Seizures Dysrhythmia’s Cardiovascular collapse Dyspnea

WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO ABUSE THIS DRUG Teenagers and those who participate in other illegal drug use. Drug addicts use the chemicals in Sudafed to make methamphetamine. SYMPTOMS OF OVERDOSE: Convulsions Increased breathing Hallucinations Increase in blood pressure Shortness of breath Unusual nervousness, restlessness, or excitement EMERGENCY TREATMENT OF OVERDOSE: Contact your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.

DO NOT USE SUDAFED IF…. Your child is younger than 4 years old If you are allergic to pseudoephedrine or to other decongestants If you are taking diet pills, stimulants, or ADHD medications

YOU SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS DRUG IF YOU ARE ALSO TAKING: Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOI’s) Antihypertensive drugs Antidepressants Beta blockers Caffeine pills ADHD medicine And if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

REFERENCES Sudafed. Drugs.com (2015). Retrieved from http://www.drugs.com/sudafed.html Sudafed Side Effects Center. Rxlist.com (2015). Retrieved from http://www.rxlist.com/sudafed-side-effects-drug-center.htm What is Pseudoephedrine Addiction?. Lighthouse Recovery Institute (2014). Retrieved from http://lighthouserecoveryinstitute.com/types-of-addiction/pseudoephedrine-addiction/ Skidmore-Roth, L. (2015). Mosby's 2015 Nursing Drug Reference. 28th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc.